37 goals, zero clubs: Why was Osimhen stuck?

26-year-old Nigerian star forward Victor Osimhen played 41 matches for Galatasaray, which celebrated its 25th championship this season, and scored 37 goals.

Normally, the reward for such a successful performance is obvious: Europe's giants will be competing to snatch Osimhen from the air.

However, the only tangible offer for Osimhen, whose contract is with the Italian team Napoli, came from the Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal. Osimhen turned his nose up at this offer.

So what happened that Osimhen was left stranded, at least for now? And what happened that the 'future world star' who dreams of playing in the Premier League has no other option but to migrate to Saudi Arabia?

Goal writer Mark Doyle wrote about Osimhen's journey.

Napoli knew that their player Osimhen wanted to leave the club in the summer of 2023. So they proposed a win-win deal for both parties: Osimhen would extend his contract until 2026, but in fact he would transfer to a club that would meet his €120 million release clause in 2024.

Osimhen even explained what his next step would be on January 23, saying, "My decision is clear" : "60 percent of people are talking about me going to the Premier League. But I want to finish the season in Napoli."

However, three days later, Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis said Osimhen could leave the club in the 2023-24 season. The president, who is also a film producer, stated that the Nigerian center forward could go to "Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) or a Premier League team."

However, last year's transfer winds blew against Napoli and Osimhen: Madrid abandoned the transfer race after signing star player Kylian Mbappe, PSG coach Luis Enrique suddenly gave up on signing a number 9, and Barcelona turned their backs on Osimhen because they wanted a winger.

In fact, the wind blowing against Napoli and Osimhen had opened the door to the Premier League at the end of the transfer season. Moreover, Chelsea was looking for a tough striker. They made a good offer to Osimhen, but the star player did not find the fee sufficient.

Meanwhile, Al-Ahli also joined the transfer race. The 2024 summer transfer period was about to end. According to allegations, Osimhen had accepted the 'huge' offer from Al-Ahli, but Napoli put a crimp in the deal by raising the asking price at the last minute. Osimhen was fed up.

Neither Osimhen wanted Napoli anymore, nor did Napoli want Osimhen. In such unpleasant conditions, the best option seemed to be to play a season on loan at Galatasaray.

Moreover, the headlines were ready: Galatasaray's flash transfer Victor Osimhen played his first match in the yellow-red jersey against Rizespor.

Osimhen's loan period at Galatasaray ended on Monday. The player's fate is still uncertain. In short: Türkiye can't afford him, Italy doesn't want him.

He still has to return to Naples in two weeks to undergo a mandatory medical check-up. Ultimately, it will be an awkward visit.

In the agreement Osimhen made with Galatasaray, his release clause, which was previously 120 million euros, was reduced to 75 million euros (approximately 3.5 billion lira).

Although Napoli made this discount in order to sell the player more easily, it is still surprising that no serious offer has been received. Moreover, at a time when everyone is praising Osimhen to the skies…

According to GOAL Turkey's Idil Erin, Osimhen has 'exceeded expectations' since arriving in Istanbul, and is even playing with a higher level of dedication than he did in Napoli.

Therefore, the possibility of returning to Galatasaray still remains, although in this scenario Napoli may have to make serious financial concessions.

According to market observers, both Osimhen and some European clubs are following a 'wait-and-see' tactic. Saudi Arabia still seems the most likely scenario due to the high transfer fee and Osimhen's high self-esteem.

However, Osimhen Al-Hilal rejected the offer and winked at different options. Moreover, his release clause, which facilitates transfers abroad, expires on July 15.

After that date, Napoli may have to accept a lower fee to relieve the player of the wage burden, which could make Osimhen more attractive to Europe's strong clubs.

Besides, Osimhen does not want to waste the peak years of his career, that is for sure.